Referring to Objects
Articles - Determiners
'A' is an indefinite article used with nouns or adjectives beginning with a consonant (b, d, z, v, t, etc.).
They work at a quasi-autonomous non-governmental organization in New England.
Bukowski wrote for a publication in San Francisco.
An
'An' is an indefinite article used with nouns or adjectives beginning with a vowel (a,e, i, o, u).
An elite ruling class working to dampen civic engagement ais responsible for the apathy.
An environmental canvasser is required to gather a certain amount of donations in order to reach quota.
The
'The' is a definite article used with nouns or adjectives beginning with vowels or consonants.
The car over there is fast.
The teacher is very good, isn't he?
A, An - Usage
Use "a or an" when you introduce an object to a discussion. Remember that your speakers are not familiar with which object you are speaking about. However, the next time you repeat that object use "the".
An elite ruling class working to dampen civic engagement ais responsible for the apathy.
The questionnaire was aimed at an educated demographic.
He gives to a charity in Pennsylvania.
The - Usage
Use definite articles with specific objects that are recognizeed by both the speaker and the audience.
The World Bank interacts with thousands of Civil Society Organizations.
Our recordkeeping efforts and dedication to transparency empower us to find the file you seek.
Definite articles are not used with countries, states, counties or provinces, lakes and mountains except when the country is a collection of states such as "The United States".
He lives in Washington near Mount Rainier.
They live in northern British Columbia.
Definite articles are used with specific bodies of water, oceans and seas.
My country borders on the Pacific Ocean.
Articles are not used when speaking about things in general. When speaking in general, use the plural form for count nouns, and the singular with non count nouns.
This regulatory agency encourages health.
Harmonicas play an important role in all musical collaborations.
Articles are not used when speaking about meals, places, or transport.
He has breakfast at home.
I go to university.
He comes to work by taxi.